Beyond the Park: Designing Play in
By Veronica Flemming and Mika Yin
The ”Play” to ASA
Landscape is unique. Combining complex natural features with a little intervention can create a single space facilitating education, physical and mental wellbeing. Whilst incorporating biodiversity and ecological enhancements.
This is what make us so passionate about Landscape Architecture and excited to explore the possibilities of each site; rather than applying an off-the-shelf product to every site.
‘Play Areas’ should not be seen as a collection of equipment plucked from a catalogue; but rather places that are vital in positively influencing everyday life.
Opportunities for play can take many forms; from a sculptured landform, to a looped path or stepping stones, to a cluster of trees that become a meeting point or a shaded bench where conversation flows and seasonal change is observed.
At ASA Landscape Architects, we view play areas as essential community infrastructure; dynamic landscapes that transcend isolated equipment or age-restricted zones. By allowing landscape to lead the design, we transform play areas into living frameworks that support people, place, and their environment.
Photo: by ASA Landscape Architects and from Instagram @blenheimpalace
Coordination with CAP.CO, Fairwater Ltd and Ridge and Partners, ASA led the design of hard and soft landscape elements that make play part of the journey. The landscape becomes an integral part of the play experience, inspiring curiosity, movement, and wonder at every step.
The Layers of a Living System
A successful play landscape should never be single-purpose; it is dynamic and layered, operating spatially, socially, temporally, and ecologically, with every corner contributing to the overall experience.
Sutton Courtenay Play Area | Developed by ASA working with the Parish County and Local Community, refine the playground design to provide an innovative and inclusive play space for children of all ages and abilities.
Meaningful Design Through Meaningful Consultation
Play is not one-size-fits-all; it must be defined locally, taking into account the existing provision, need and interest groups.
Through rigorous community consultation, we ensure our designs reflect local voices, needs, and aspirations. This includes addressing unique challenges, such as ensuring girls feel safe and welcome in spaces that might otherwise become male-dominated. We believe that understanding local play should be empowering. By listening and responding to communities, we create spaces where everyone truly wants to play.
Most recently, ASA facilitated a community consultation at Wilton Park, Ross on Wye which welcomed views from all ages and demographics.
The Professional Value of the Landscape Architect
Landscape architects don’t just create attractive spaces. We position ourselves as ‘facilitators’ in the Play Project, navigating the complex puzzle of safety, policy and biodiversity. Our role is to:
Ultimately, we deliver resilient play environments that sit within the heart of their community; shaping daily habits, mental wellbeing and providing ecological benefits and spaces for learning that can be cherished and enjoyed for decades to come.
ASA are currently working with Ross on Wye Town Council and Local Stakeholders to develop a new Skatepark and MUGA provision at Wilton Park – bringing together the requirements of the local community.
In Harwell Village Jubilee Playground project, ASA supported the Parish Council and local stakeholders with design expertise, funding guidance, and technical advice to deliver a revitalised community play park.
